What is the difference between the Galette Chambon Hope Center and the Thoman Hope Center?

Teams have the option of serving in Galette Chambon or Thoman. The service opportunities are the same at each location, except that Galette Chambon has an orphanage where teams can serve. Galette Chambon, the location of BGM’s first Hope Center, is located about 17 miles east of Port-au-Prince and requires an hour’s ride from the airport. At this location, there is a medical clinic, dental clinic, medical missionary house, agricultural missionary house, 4 dorm rooms to sleep a total of 24 team members, a church, an orphanage, and agriculture plots. In addition there are 43 houses, most of which contain families previously living in one of the tent cities that emerged in Port-au-Prince following the earthquake.
Thoman is located in the mountains about 50 miles east of Port-au-Prince and is a 2 to 2 1/2 hour bus trip from the airport. The Hope Center at Thoman has 3 dorm rooms to sleep a total of 28 team members. Houses in Thoman are being built to replace inadequate dwellings belonging to the residents in the area. Though Thoman does not have an orphanage, we have partnered with a local school and a local church to invest in the children.

How much does it cost for each team member?

The cost per team member to BGM is $700 for a six night trip plus $10 fee for emergency medical evacuation insurance per trip. This does not include airfare which is paid directly to the airline by each team.

Please note: Effective March 2019, the cost per team member will be $750 plus $10 fee for emergency medical evacuation insurance per trip.

The cost covers the cost of *ground transportation, lodging at The Hope Center, electricity for the week, two meals per day (lunch and dinner), translators, and other expenses. Breakfast is not provided and team members are encouraged to bring breakfast bars, Pop-Tarts, or something similar. In addition, team members may want to bring money to purchase soft drinks from local Haitians who sell soft drinks ($1 per soft drink) and to shop at the Hope Center market on Thursdays.
* Your team fees cover the cost of transportation for two trips to the airport: 1 trip to pick up your team upon arrival, 1 trip to deliver your team to its departing flight. If you have team members who require additional trips to the airport, whether arriving or departing on a different schedule from the group, your team will be charged $40 for each additional trip required.

How many team members can we take?

The Hope Center at Galette Chambon has dorm space for 24 team members. Two dorm rooms house 8 each. Two dorm rooms house 4 each. The Hope Center at Thoman has dorm space for 32. Four dorm rooms house 8 each. If your team is less than the maximum for either location, it is possible that another team will be scheduled to fill the available spots.

What kind of work is done on the mission trips?

Depending on the team, there could be construction work, medical work, dental work, agriculture work, work with the children in the orphanage, evangelism, Bible studies, Vacation Bible School activities for children, sports activities such as soccer and basketball, and other work. There is a place for everyone regardless of his/her skills.

Who can go on a team?

We ask that you be a professing Christian actively involved in a local, Christian church. We reserve the right to decline an application for team membership or deny participation of a team member on the mission field for any reason, including, but not limited to, theological differences or personal behavior deemed incompatible with our ministry. Age requirements: Minimum age to participate is 10. Children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent. Minors ages 14-17 unaccompanied by their parents must be a part of a 4 to 1 ratio of teens to adults.

Are there special rates for families?

Yes – special family rates apply to 3 or more immediate family members (parents, brothers, and sisters).

First two family members = full price

Third = half price

Fourth = 25%

Fifth and above = no charge

How long does a team stay in Haiti?

Teams must schedule arriving on Saturday and leaving no later than Friday. For other arrangements, please call BGM at 601-983-1179.

What documents will I need to travel on the team?

You will need a valid U.S. passport. Currently, U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa before traveling to Haiti. But God Ministries requires the following documents form each team member:

Participant Information and Release Form

Minor Travel Permission Form (Everyone under 18 traveling without both parents)

Copy of Passport

Documentation for medical personel

What language do they speak in Haiti?

They speak Haitian Creole. We will provide your team with translators.

What type clothing should I bring?

Construction work: Long pants and long sleeves will protect from the sun and the environment, though some prefer to work in shorts and t-shirt. Bring a hat with a wide brim or a protective flap for your ears and neck.

Other work: Combine comfort and modesty! Shorts should be modest, as close to the knee as possible.

Shoes: Tennis shoes are appropriate. Consider bringing flip flops for the shower. Work boots will protect against thorns and other work-related hazards.

Church: Women – some sort of skirt; Men – long pants and golf shirt

Please note the BGM dress code guidelines:

Regarding tops/shirts: Wear only t-shirts with sleeves and modest necklines. Do not wear tank tops. If you wear a sleeveless shirt or shirt with low V or scoop neckline, you will be asked to change. If you do not have t-shirts with sleeves and modest necklines, you will need to purchase or borrow them.

Regarding shorts: Do not wear Nike shorts or running shorts. Wear basketball or soccer length shorts. Shorts should be at least mid-thigh. If you wear inappropriate length shorts, you will be asked to change. If you do not have appropriate length shorts, you will need to purchase or borrow them.

We reserve the right to ask an individual to change any attire that is not appropriate.

Do medical and dental professionals have to provide additional documents in order to practice?

Yes. Each doctor, dentist, nurse, veterinarian, and pharmacist must provide the following documents to his/her team captain:

Copy of your diploma from your school (medical, dental, nursing or pharmacy school)

Copy of your annual license

Can medical, dental, nursing, or pharmacy students see and/or treat patients?

No. Only those professionals with diplomas and current licensure are allowed to treat patients. However, in many cases, students may work side-by-side with a professional assisting as needed with basic health care.

Do I need vaccinations to go on a team?

None are required, but some are strongly recommended including:

DPT – Tetanus/diptheria update (if over 5 years rather than the usual 10 due to the exposure risk)

Hepatitis A and B

Typhoid (oral or injection)

Oral malaria prophylaxis – Some people have an adverse reaction to the malaria medicine and may opt not to take it.

The health department is the most cost efficient provider. Also, please check with your primary care physician about any additional vaccinations you may need before traveling.

What airlines do teams travel with?

Currently, our teams use American Airlines and Delta, please contact BGM if you need suggestions for a travel agent.

If I get sick on the field, are there medical facilities there to treat me?

If you get sick and your team physicians are not able to treat you adequately, there are hospitals in Haiti that offer a limited level of medical care. Thus far, no team member has had to go to one of these facilities. In extreme medical emergencies you may be evacuated by a private medical jet to the nearest care facility in the United States. The cost of this medical evacuation insurance is paid by each team member. Anyone that has a delicate medical condition that requires special treatment and/or on-going care should not travel with a team. Pregnant women are discouraged from joining a team as well.

Should I bring extra money on the trip?

Bring only the money that you think you will need for souvenirs, soft drinks, church offerings, meals in the airport while traveling, and other incidentals. It is best to bring smaller bills, e.g. 1s, 5s, and 10s.

What kind of jewelry can I take on the trip?

A good rule of thumb: don’t take anything that you would hate to lose or that is flashy.

Will I be able to call home from the mission field?

Yes. There is coverage for AT&T users at The Hope Center where teams stay. However, you are strongly encouraged to check your carrier’s international calling/texting/data plan before leaving the United States. A good rule of thumb is to tell your family and friends that “no news is good news.”

Is wi-fi available to team members at the Hope Center?

No. You will likely be able to have internet service through your cell phone. However, international internet service is normally very expensive. You are strongly encouraged to check your carrier’s international data plan before leaving the United States. If there is an emergeny need for internet service, please discuss the matter with our missionaries at the Hope Center in Haiti.